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Video Supplements to Boost Entertainment on PCs, Says IDC

05 June, 2006 17:59

<p>NORTH SYDNEY, 5th June 2006 – According to IDC's latest Digital Home research, "Australia Digital Home Consumer Usage Survey 2006: Domo Arigato, Mr Roboto!", IDC finds the position of the PC as a digital entertainment platform is strengthening.</p><p>"The majority of survey respondents have digital photos (70.3%) and music files (69.2%) stored on their PCs. About 44.1% of respondents play music on their PCs at least once a week, indicating that music playback on the PC is an activity most consumers are accustomed to," said Sophie Lo, Research Analyst, Consumer Digital Markets.</p><p>Compared with digital photos and music, relatively few respondents store video content of any type on PCs. Generation Y consumers however, are more likely to have video content on their PCs. Respondents aged from 18 to 24 were found to be almost twice as likely to store video content on their PCs than the average respondent.</p><p>Furthermore, over 70% of respondents indicated they never watch or record TV shows on their PCs, yet a significant portion of the respondents play back DVDs (23.9%). IDC found respondents across all age segments (except for 60+) are equally likely to use the PC for this purpose. This implies some consumers are generally comfortable watching videos on their PCs as long as it is easy / seamless process for them to obtain and play back the content.</p><p>IDC believes the increased number of online video services and higher residential broadband penetration will be key in attracting an additional wave of consumers. As a result PCs will be optimized for entertainment purposes.</p><p>"The increased availability of top-tier content online will gradually guide consumers to the PC for video sources and encourage consumers to store videos on PCs. Broadband Internet access will also make it relatively seamless for consumers to obtain the content, further establishing the PC as an important platform for digital entertainment," noted Ms Lo.</p><p>On average, broadband households are almost twice as likely to have any type of digital media stored on their PCs when compared with dial-up households or households without Internet access.</p><p>However, IDC warns IT vendors of the threats that local telcos can impose. As overseas examples demonstrate, the telco -delivered "intelligent" set top box can become the single point of entry for communications and home entertainment. France Telecom for example, introduced the Livebox in July 2004, which is equipped with an asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) modem plus Ethernet, WiFi and Bluetooth interfaces to accommodate all types of digital devices. The Livebox also enables users to surf the Internet, watch HDTV (High Definition Television) via ADSL, make VoIP (Voice Over Internet) calls or video calls and play network games.</p><p>Editors Notes:In March 2006, IDC conducted random-digit–dialling telephone interviews with 836 Australian households. Each interview lasted approximately 15 minutes. All respondents were asked general questions about issues such as awareness, interest, ownership and usage of key digital services and devices. Responses were sourced from those responsible for establishing and/or using consumer electronics and/or PCs in a traditional home.</p><p>About IDC:IDC is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology and telecommunications industries. IDC helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. Over 775 IDC analysts in 50 countries provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends. For more than 40 years, IDC has provided strategic insights to help our clients achieve their key business objectives. IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research, and events company. You can learn more about IDC by visiting http://www.idc.com and http://www.idc.com.au.</p><p>IDC’s Breakfast Briefing InvitationYou are invited to IDC's “Consumer Convergence: Blurring Lines Between At Home and on the Go” Breakfast Briefing presented by Sophie Lo, Research Analyst, Consumer Digital Markets and Jerson Yau, Associate Analyst, Wireless and Mobility</p><p>Dates &amp; Venues:Sydney: Wednesday, 14th June, The Westin Hotel, 1 Martin Place, SydneyMelbourne: Thursday, 15th June, The Stamford Plaza Hotel, 111 Little Collins Street, Melbourne</p><p>Price: $120 Incl GST</p><p>Agenda:7.30am - 8.00am: Registration &amp; Hot Breakfast8.00am - 8.45am: Presentation8.45am - 9.15am: Q&amp;A</p><p>Key Questions Addressed at the Briefing:What has been the uptake of digital services (being IP or mobile) in Australia?How does the mobile fit in the digital device space as an entertainment and content platform?How does convergence impact the digital content ecosystem?How does convergence impact the way consumers enjoy entertainment at home and on the go?What are the forthcoming trends that players in the ecosystem should look out for?</p><p>To register or for further information please go to:http://www.idc.com.au/events/breakfastbriefings/schedule.htm or contact: Bree Charlton via Email: bcharlton@idc.com or ph: 02 9925 2200. Seats are limited.</p><p>For press enquiries please contact:Sophie Lo Market Analyst, Consumer Digital Markets Phone: 61 2 9925 2206 Email: slo@idc.com</p><p>Click here to view the press release online:http://www.idc.com.au/press/release.asp?release_id=232</p><p>Click here to subscribe to IDC press releases and newsletters online:http://www.idc.com.au/newsletters/register/</p>

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